Desparate for advice...or just give up?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I've wanted to be a nurse for as long as I could remember. Unfortunately, when I had the chance right out of high school I messed up. Now, years later, I'm married with kids and all the responsibilities that go with it. I pretty much figure the boat to being a nurse for me has sailed, but I can't help but think about it still.

I know I could go back to school and take classes, but here's what's stopping me...

My family is on my health benefits. We can't get out own health benefits bc hubby is a Type 1 diabetic. The nursing programs around here are only full time day. Since I can't quit my job to go to school, should I just give up and walk away? And I should add that hubby is self employed so the option to get insurance through his employer isn't there right now.

Advice? Give up? Or start taking pre-reqs one at a time and hope that in three years when I'm ready to apply to a nursing program that hubby either gets a job that offers benefits?

Thx.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Are you unable to purchase insurance because your husband's diabetes are considered a pre-existing condition? If so, start taking your pre-requisites now, because as of Jan. 1 2014 insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. There will also probably be a decent amount of exchanges in place for you to shop for insurance plans. If nursing is really what you want to do and your family supports that decision, then you'll find a way! :)

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Well sounds good to me. Take a few classes at a time to get the feel for it because your A&P classes will be the toughest. If you can't quit your job and if you're serious about doing nursing as this is not an easy choice such as ordering pizza, try moving somewhere less expensive if you don't already own a house. Moving s expensive short term but in the long run I won't be. Are your children old enough to watch themselves? Remember they also have online courses you can take...except your biology classes. Believe.

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Yeah, I thought of this too, but I'm scared that for whatever reason it won't happen. However, I also like to think that if it's meant to be, it will be. So, maybe. But I need encouragement! Thanks for your response. :)

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I could be totally off on this, but when I had to change insurance providers, I was told that pre-existing conditions did not count as long as you didn't have a lapse in coverage. So as long as I set it up that my new insurance started the day the old one let off, or had an overlap in coverages, nothing was considered pre-existing. It is at least worth a call to an insurance company. Again, this is just what I was told during my long battles with finding an insurance company, so don't hold me to it, but maybe it will help! Good luck!

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

I would take your prereqs slowly and reassess where you stand as time goes on. Insurance companies won't be able to exclude you for preexisting conditions (and many won't as of now) but they can charge you ~ 25% more instead. So there's the affordability issue. There the issue that your husband could have a job with benefits by then. Your nursing school could offer insurance. Etc, etc.

I'd go for it. Obviously your husband having adequate care for his diabetes is priority, but hopefully you'll be able to have the best of both worlds by the time you're ready. And if not, the worst thing that's happened is you have to wait a bit longer!

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Thanks! I guess I'm afraid of taking years of classes only to find out that I can't enroll in the actual nursing program. That would break my heart.

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I'm in a similar situation. I graduated from college with a bio-chemistry degree, 25 years ago, determined to go to med school. Life got in the way and I was strongly encouraged to join the family business. I put my love of medicine aside.

My kids are getting older and I'm hankering to get back into medicine. With a lot of support from my family I am taking my pre-reqs to start nursing school soon. It is a scary leap. I am my own worse enemy. I'm always looking for something to stop me when in fact, I am the only one that can stop me.

I'm writing this post to you, my very first one on this forum, to encourage you, to help you find away around the obstacles, and even if you "take years of classes only to find out that I can't enroll" you will become a better person for the knowledge you gained by those classes.

Good luck and have faith in yourself.

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

Take classes one at a time. Make sure

They will transfer. Science courses are good for five years only .. I think support comes along when you take the first step.. Be brave!!

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@mallory - you're first post on here was to encourage lil ol me? Awww.... Thank you and all for the encouragement. It means the world. :)

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Start taking per-requisites. It will all fall into place as you go.. that is how life works. I was under the impression that they can no longer deny coverage for pre-existing conditions--- I thought that part of the law went into place in 2010. Either way, the supreme court upheld the Affordable Care Act and eventually, hopefully, the deadbeats in D.C. will stop wasting time and resources fighting it and you'll never have to worry about that aspect of your husband's care again.

If you want to become a nurse-- do it. Don't worry about the what-ifs-- you'll NEVER get it done just pondering about it. Start by taking one class. Then maybe two. Eventually, you'll find yourself applying for nursing programs. Good luck.

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The only caution I would have about doing your pre-reqs slowly....schools here in my area are starting to place time limits on the classes. Science classes have to have been taken within the last 5 years, English within the last 7 years, etc. So, take your pre-reqs but don't wait too long to be ready to apply to nursing school.

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